Toasty Escapes: The Cosiest Winter Getaways Near Brisbane
As Brisbane cools and the winter breeze curls around the jacaranda-lined streets, it's the perfect time to plan a retreat into the nearby hinterlands. Just beyond the city's reach, the southeast unfurls a patchwork of rainforest, mountain peaks, and vineyard-dotted country where the air smells of woodsmoke and wet earth. Brisbane might not bring snow, but it does bring an intrinsic craving to burrow into cosy accommodations surrounded by nature.
With GoGet making it effortless to escape the city, adventure is only a set of car keys away. Here's where to go when you want to trade skyscrapers for sky-high gum trees and boardrooms for fire-warmed cottages.
💡 Pro tip: Planning your escape? GoGet cars live all over Brisbane—just book one near you, pack your weekend bag, and you’re off. No rental counters, no stress.
Glass House Mountains at sunset – a dreamy backdrop for Maleny and Montville winter escapes
Misty Mountains and Cosy Cottages in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Nestled into the folds of the Blackall Range like two old friends, the sister towns of Maleny and Montville are just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and claim the title of Queensland's most romantic winter getaways.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is an oasis of stillness tucked just outside Maleny. Its rainforest villas offer private outdoor cedar hot tubs, open fireplaces, and spa baths that look out onto eucalypt groves. At The Tamarind Restaurant, dine on locally foraged produce and pan-Asian cuisine while listening to the sound as Obi Obi Creek murmurs nearby.
In Montville, stroll along Main Street, where artisan stores and welcoming cafes spill the scent of roasted beans and baked goods into the chilled air. Don't miss the Montville Art Gallery, showcasing works that reflect the region's natural beauty. Round out the day at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a cheese platter and glass of Verdelho become the perfect fireside companions.
💡 Pro tip: Buying a few bottles to bring home? Choose a GoGet SUV with plenty of boot space - then your vino travels in comfort too.
Girraween National Park – hike among ancient boulders in Queensland’s chilly wine country
Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt: Queensland's Wine Country in Full Winter Dress
Three hours southwest of Brisbane, frost bites at the edges of paddocks in Stanthorpe, Queensland's coldest town and a winter haven. The Granite Belt's boulder-strewn hills roll gently through vineyards and orchards, creating a mosaic of gold and ochre under the winter sun.
Wake to the smell of fresh bread and woodsmoke at the award-winning boutique Ridgemill Estate, where you can stay in cabins that overlook Shiraz vines and encounter goats on site!
Pack a thermos and wander Girraween National Park, where massive granite monoliths rise like prehistoric relics. Paths wind through wildflower-dotted heath, leading to The Pyramid, a 5-6 hour hike that rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views. For dinner, Varias Restaurant at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism plates up fine dining using local produce paired expertly with wines grown metres from your table.
💡 Pro tip: Stanthorpe mornings can hit the negatives - layer up, pack a thermos, and don’t forget your hiking boots.
Curtis Falls – rainforest magic in Mount Tamborine’s hinterland hideaways
Rainforest Retreats in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Mount Tamborine offers elevated rainforest walkways, boutique cottages with spa baths, and the quirky charm of The Gallery Walk stores, making it one of the most diverse weekend away spots near Brisbane.
Begin your visit at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a suspended walkway weaving through ancient tree canopies above Cedar Creek. Afterwards, head to The Gallery Walk, a charming stretch of boutiques, fudge shops, and galleries - try Under the Greenwood Tree for its curated local literature and warm apple cider.
Book a chalet at The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat, where each timber cottage is named after a fairytale character complete with a private hot tub and crackling fireplace. Dine nearby at the iconic institution, St. Bernard's Hotel, a pub established in 1881 where hearty winter fare and local wine warm you from the inside out.
Lamington National Park – hike beneath rainforest canopies in the heart of the Scenic Rim
Scenic Rim: Off-Grid Stays and Mountain Silence
Drive just over an hour south of Brisbane into the valleys and ridgelines of the Scenic Rim, where nature beckons with her raw, unpolished beauty. Named among Lonely Planet's top regions to visit, this patchwork of farms, forests, and volcanic peaks delivers breathtaking views and soul-deep quiet.
For the adventurous, stay at Nightfall Wilderness Camp near Lamington National Park. Luxury glamping tents with clawfoot tubs, firepits, and candlelit dinners made with organic local produce make this an unforgettable experience. Or opt for O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, where tree-top walks and spa treatments share space with wallaby sightings and waterfalls.
Explore Lamington National Park, where the Box Forest Circuit leads you past over half a dozen waterfalls under a forest canopy heavy with moss and moisture. Winter is the perfect time to spot Albert's lyrebirds and breathe in the damp perfume of leaf litter and wild ginger.
Natural Bridge – Springbrook’s glowing rainforest treasure
Ancient Forests and Waterfall Secrets in Springbrook
Beyond the Gold Coast, explore Springbrook National Park, a Gondwanan relic where time slows to the rhythm of the rainforest. This lesser-known winter gem is perfect for those drawn to the sublime beauty of natural attractions.
Start at Best of All Lookout, where the escarpment falls away into endless blue layers of valley and sky. Visit Natural Bridge, where a waterfall pours into a glowing cave lit by bioluminescent glow-worms. The park is quieter in winter, and some trails may be closed due to ice and snow, so be sure to plan ahead!
Stay at The Sanctuary at Springbrook, an eco-friendly retreat offering secluded cabins with panoramic views, spa baths, and front-row seats to sunrise over the mountains. End your day with a locally sourced meal at Dancing Waters Café, a quaint venue with local charm nestled beside Purling Brook Falls.
💡 Pro tip: Heading into the hills? A lot of Queensland hinterland gems have limited public transport—GoGet gives you the keys to hidden waterfalls and warm café delights.
North Stradbroke Island – a serene coastal escape just a ferry ride from Brisbane
Coastal Solitude and Cultural Stories on North Stradbroke Island
Though often thought of as a summer destination (we've even written about it here!), Minjerribah, or North Stradbroke Island, transforms in winter into a peaceful sanctuary of migrating whales, quiet beaches, and rich cultural history. A short ferry ride from Cleveland, it's the coastal antidote to city fatigue.
Walk the North Gorge Track at Point Lookout at dusk, where humpbacks breach offshore, and sea eagles soar above from June to November. Explore the rich Quandamooka history through guided cultural tours or the island's art trail.
Stay at Straddie Cabins, offering simple but beautiful self-contained cottages surrounded by paperbark trees. While fireplaces are rare here, the winter light and calm rhythm offer warmth of a different kind - one born of connection to land and sea.
Fireplaces, Food, and Fresh Air: Why Winter Getaways From Brisbane Are a Must
In winter, Queensland's wild places soften. The landscape exhales, and so can you. Queensland country has so much to discover in the off-season that only the truly adventurous get to experience. From rainforest retreats to high-country vineyards, the best winter getaways near Brisbane celebrate cosiness, natural beauty, and stillness.
With GoGet, the journey is part of the joy. From rainforest canopies to fire-warmed wine cellars, all of this wonder is just a drive away. Grab friends, family, or a loved one for a memorable escape, leave the city lights behind, and head into the hills. The fire's already lit.
From City Streets to Mountain Retreats
Hot tubs. Vineyards. Waterfalls. GoGet makes winter escapes easy - just book, drive, and unwind. No lock-ins, no deposits, just car access when you need it.
